Any attempt to force Spiderman back into an animated format must be visually delicious. We have already had more live action Peter Parker's than any single universe can handle. Did we need a half dozen more? Well, that depends on how well the concept is executed. Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse is executed with animated precision. It is a nod to the animated roots of Spiderman that was well worth the time and effort. I am officially a fan-boy of this reboot.
Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is not your typical teenage kid from Brooklyn. He may seem typical. His dad works for PDNY (an indication that we are in a different universe), he attends a private school, he likes to "tag" street signs with his street art. He is struggling with school and family relationships as well. He seems closer to his Uncle Aaron (Mahershala Ali) than his dad (Brian Tyree Henry). When Uncle Aaron escorts Miles deep below the city to spray paint a wall, Miles is inadvertently bitten by a toxic spider. Miles is thrust into a conflict that results in the death of Peter Parker (Chris Pine). As Miles comes to terms with his changing body, he finds companionship and assistance in the form of his counterparts from other universes...the multi-verse. His new friends include Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), Peter Porker AKA Spider-ham (John Mulaney), Spiderman Noir (Nicolas Cage) and Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson). Together, the team must save the city...and ultimately, the multi-verse.
Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse captures numerous variants of the Spiderman universe into a single plot line. The concept originated with Dan Slott's 2014 Spiderverse series. There are a bunch of writers on the original product, which was adapted to screenplay format by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman. Lord is the brilliant mind behind the Lego Movie, which was a smashing success. The sequel will soon hit theaters. Lord gives us a story that has substance to go with amazing visual qualities. The writing includes great dialogue combined with sharp wit. The film is not afraid to take open shots at the spiderman universe(s). It was the fun type of funny where we feel like we are in on the joke. It was not so esoteric than only the fan-boy base will get the humor, either. It was sharp witted with an actual plot that, while a bit predictable, worked. The pacing was great, and most importantly, the rich textures, colors and movements made this animation pure eye candy.
I would imagine a project like this, particularly with Lord's name attached to it, would draw plenty of A-List talent. This film is packed with talent. Even in small roles. It is a who's-who of Hollywood A-List actors. This is a group of actors who compare how many Oscar nominations rather than bragging that they have had one. Oscar winners include Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, and Nicholas Cage (with two nominations, one win). Lily Tomlinson has a nomination. The other actors are either super hot right now, or have shelves of lesser hardware (Golden Globes or Emmy's). They include perennial favorites like Chris Pine, Liev Schreiber, Zoe Kravitz and Oscar Isaac. We even get the animated cameo from Stan Lee. The cast is just a bonus here. The story, dialogue and animation carry this film.
I didn't watch this film in 3-D. I think it would have been awesome in 3-D, but the timing didn't work out for that showing for me. I am not disappointed. The visual appeal of this film does not need the additional gimmick of 3-D, although I am guessing that the 3-D format probably makes this film pop all that much more. I really liked the way animators gave the film a classic comic book look, while adding colors and textures that gave the film great dimension. The film didn't feel animated in the classic sense. It was...more. It is hard to explain, but the use of color and texture and the composite with the backgrounds created a nice sense of dimension. Then, the film adds the challenge of characters that have specific qualities from other universes that add a bit more complexity to the visuals. I was awestruck by the look of this film. Exceptionally well done.
Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse received a PG rating from the MPAA. This film is designed with children in mind. It is a good film to see with the family. At least, with a family that enjoys superhero related stories. There is plenty of animated action, to include some intense battle sequences. There is talk of death and a death depicted, but absent any gore. There is also some minor language included. Overall, the thematic elements were mild and contextual. The handling of these subjects was done deftly, adding to the story without heavy handedness. The film has a run time of one hour, 57 minutes that flew by.
Fan-boys of this franchise are currently driving the rating of this film at IMDb, where it is enjoying a galactic 8.7 rating with nearly 50,000 people rating the film already. That is an impressive opening weekend number, which is certain to settle closer to terra firma in this universe, if not the entire multi-verse. The rating is understandable. The film has a lot of great qualities. It is why we go to see movies. An interesting story, great visual appeal, strong pacing, engaging characters, witty dialogue, a sense of humor and...did I mention visual appeal? Yes, I did. The visual appeal was amazing. But I have to temper my rating with a bit of honesty. The story was great. But there were relationships that had the opportunity for stronger dramatic connections that sort of glossed over an opportunity for reaching the audience on a deeper level. 8/10.
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